£ 3 -1 0 k TO SPEND
When it comes to Ford Capris there is a huge selection of engines, from different displacements to varying numbers and arrangement of cylinders. But the general rule is – the smaller the motor, the cheaper the car. With this in mind, the more budget-savvy motorist would be better off opting for one of the smaller four-pots from any of the MkI, II or MkIII line-ups, whether that’s a 1.3, 1.6 or 2.0, although lower displacement obviously means less power and a less exciting driving proposition. That said, while the larger engines do provide more bang for your buck, the less powerful cars are still a lot of fun to drive and offer a great introduction to the Capri.
The MkI‘s greater classic aesthetic, retro feel and rarity means that these cars do tend to command higher prices than the MkII and MkIII, especially in original condition, but any of the Capris in this price range can be found in good condition. The MkII and MkIII look more modern than the MkI but are essentially the same car beneath the skin, with only minor cosmetic updates to be found on post-1978 models.
There are a lot of tatty vehicles out there, which obviously has a negative affect on the asking price, but on the flip side, figures can creep above £10,000 for concours and low-mileage early MkIs.
1.6- and 2.0-litre Laser MkIIIs are a good all-round bet and feature improved interior features, alloy wheels and colour-coded front grilles and mirrors. The special edition Cabaret and Calypso versions can also be found for this money, but offer little over and above standard cars than a two-tone paint scheme and some interior tweaks.
Condition can vary enormously at this price point, from pretty terrible to mint condition, so choose wisely and don’t buy the first car you see. Running costs will largely be lower compared to the more expensive, bigger-engined and more exclusive Capris, but in terms of style you still get those classic coupé lines, whichever iteration you decide to go for.